Message from the Minister of National Defence

The Hon. Bill Blair, Member of Parliament, Federal Co-Chair

I am delighted to present Seamless Canada’s first annual report.

Through Seamless Canada, the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) work primarily with provincial/territorial governments to better coordinate policies and procedures. The goal is to help military families receive fair and equitable access to public programs and services as they move between provinces and territories.

The 2017 Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, committed the Canadian Armed Forces to working with federal, provincial and private sector partners to improve the coordination of services across provinces and territories to ease the burden of moving. In 2018, Seamless Canada was launched to help meet that commitment, and has been addressing and alleviating the unique challenges that military families face during frequent relocations across Canada, particularly in the realms of healthcare, spousal employment, and child and youth education (including childcare).

This report reflects the collective work that has been conducted and improvements that have been achieved, as well as our ongoing commitment to support military families through future challenges. The significant stressors and challenges that confront military families are complex, spanning multiple jurisdictions. The Seamless Canada initiative continues to engage in these shared responsibilities to support and enhance the well-being of military families.

Whether it is responding to natural disasters or exceptional circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, providing expert search and rescue, defending Canada’s sovereignty, or contributing to greater peace and security in the world, the CAF always answers the call. Because of the unwavering commitment to duty and the sacrifices that our military personnel make every day, Canada remains among the safest and most secure countries in the world. It is imperative that we ensure our members and their families—the core of the CAF—are well-supported. I am confident that the Seamless Canada initiative will continue to support CAF members and their families by reducing relocation barriers, creating a seamless experience.